Kim Martin, Author at Gale Blog: Library & Educator News | K12, Academic & Public

Strategic Planning Takes a Leap Forward with Data Analytics

November 19, 2015December 3, 2015

Posted 12/3/2015

By Jackie Sullivan and Sarah Withers

Mastering data analytics for public library administrators and their board of trustees is a critical success factor for planning and community engagement. The South Carolina State Library wanted to optimize the strategic planning resources that public libraries currently have available including collection strategy, materials investment, outreach, and programming to drive more value to the communities they serve.

From Toddlers to Seniors: Learning at Every Life Stage

January 5, 2016November 6, 2015

Posted November 6, 2015

By Rosemary Long

Libraries continue to be represented in popular media as book repositories, a place for story time, and – in the most progressive TV shows – a place where people use (get this!) real, live computers!

Popular culture hasn’t caught up with the reality of today’s public library, where the mission has transitioned from providing information to delivering outcomes-based learning. Not just information seeking, but engaging in active learning. Gale’s online education programs helps libraries impact lives by supporting education, skills development, and personal enrichment.

Digital Solutions Promote Pre-K Literacy Development and School Readiness

November 19, 2015November 1, 2015

Posted on November 1, 2015
By Diane M. Sweetwood

Many research studies have shown the positive effects of quality early childhood education on future academic development, educational attainment, and earnings later in life. Yet, 59% of preschool-aged children across the nation—approximately 2.5 million—are not enrolled in publicly funded preschool programs through state preschool, Head Start, and special education preschool services.
Although as many as 30% of three- and four-year olds are fortunate to attend private preschools and child care centers, hundreds of thousands of children have no access to the programs that can help them build literacy skills and prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. The U.S. Department of Education’s 2015 report, “A Matter of Equity: Preschool in America,” notes that “while both states and the federal government invest in early learning, these efforts have fallen short of what is needed to ensure that all children can access a high-quality early education that will prepare them for success.”

TEL & Career Transitions: Connecting People with Jobs

February 11, 2019October 8, 2015

By Steven Hicks and Kim Martin

For job seekers, libraries play a crucial role in career discovery, development, and overall assistance. In fact, almost one quarter of library visitors are there to look or apply for a job, according to the Pew Research Center.^1. To further solidify the library’s role as a hub for employment resources, in July, 2014 President Obama signed into law the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, identifying public libraries as potential partners of the American Job Center network, and acknowledging libraries’ ability to provide an expansive array of job search services.

Career Transitions, an online resource from Gale, assists users with career exploration and offers a complete, personalized and guided experience from assessing strengths and interests, to finding new career opportunities, to ultimately completing professional resumes and improving the chances of landing jobs.

Behind the Bugs: The Story of Miss Humblebee’s Creator

July 15, 2015July 9, 2015

By Tina Creguer

In 1954, a book publisher challenged Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) to write a book using 250 words identified as key words for young readers to learn and instructed him to “bring back a book children can’t put down.” And indeed he did. His success in marrying learning, reinforcement, engagement, and fun in the seminal Cat in the Hat was unprecedented. His revolutionary approach introduced children to a way of learning that brought together appealing, relatable characters with basic learning concepts.

High School Equivalency Is Changing: Here’s How To Be Ready

July 10, 2015June 11, 2015

the backs of students' heads as they take a test

Posted on June 11, 2015

When the GED test was introduced in 1942, it provided a pathway for people to find employment by proving proficiency in basic skills and knowledge. Military personnel who had entered service without completing high school found it especially helpful to establish credentials for joining a civilian workforce. The landmark testing series has undergone major changes over the last 73 years and remains a gold standard for alternative credentialing.

Retirees: Learning, Rediscovering…Living the Dream

May 29, 2015May 28, 2015

They’ve worked hard. They’ve raised kids, saved, and made sacrifices. Now, with long-awaited free time, they want to pursue new interests and rediscover old ones. Today’s retirees are keen to make the most of their non-working years.

But the more than 13% of the US population aged 65 or older (and that percentage expected to balloon in the next five years)¹ is the group least likely to have visited the library in the last year.² Public libraries have their work cut out to serve the needs of this age group. Luckily, Gale has resources that can attract and support seniors’ thirst for discovery.

ChiltonLibrary Delivers Amazing New Features for DIYers & Pros

February 26, 2018October 21, 2014

ASE Sample Tests and Labor Estimator Tool Now Available to Your Library Customers!

The ASE Technician Sample Tests available in ChiltonLibrary.com are short sample tests which provide a high-level assessment of overall readiness to pass an ASE certification exam. Patrons will gain a better understanding of their strengths and areas needing additional review. According to the National Institute for Automotive Excellence more than 300,000 automotive professionals nationwide have earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence and must renew their certification every 5 years. Tests may be taken any number of times.